BICOM's new CEO

Lorna Fitzsimons, former Labour MP for Rochdale has been appointed the chief executive of The Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM).

A former president of the National Union of Students, 38-year-old Fitzsimons has been a strong supporter of Israel which she has visited on a number of occasions starting in 1989.

Fitzsimons, who is not Jewish, takes over from Daniel Shek, who recently left BICOM to become Israel's ambassador to France.

I am delighted to announce that Lorna Fitzsimons has agreed to be BICOMs new CEO. Lorna has consistently been a great friend of Israel," said Poju Zabludowicz, chairman of BICOM. "She has a wealth of campaigning experience. Lorna is an excellent campaigner and I believe that under her leadership BICOM can realise its full potential to create a better understanding of Israel and promote stronger ties between Britain and Israel."

In a statement, Fitzsimons says she looks forward to her new role and in promoting Israel. "

"It is both an honour and a challenge to be appointed as BICOMs new CEO. Over the last 17 years, since becoming a friend of Israel as a student leader, I have had the pleasure of working with the Jewish community through organisations like Union of Jewish Students, Labour Friends of Israel and many others. I see my new role as an extension of my work, not just as a student leader but also as a parliamentarian."

She added:

"The politics are clear  Israel is at the forefront of a struggle that has a direct impact on us here in the UK. The notion that we can sacrifice Israel and then Israels enemies will leave us alone is not credible and is downright dangerous."